Reasons for the Presence of DIP Switches in Stepper Motor Drivers

The fundamental reason for setting these switches is to enable the system composed of the stepper motor and driver to precisely match your specific application requirements, thereby achieving optimal performance, accuracy, and reliability.

A stepper motor itself is merely a "passive" actuating component. Its performance (such as torque, speed, smoothness, and noise) is largely determined by how the driver controls it. The DIP switches are the tool you use to "communicate" with the driver.

Here are the core reasons and specific objectives for setting the DIP switches:

Setting Microstepping / Subdivision

1. Problem: The basic step angle of a stepper motor (e.g., 1.8°) is fixed, resulting in 200 steps per revolution. At low speeds or in full-step mode, motion can be uneven (cogging, vibration, noise), and the resolution may be insufficient for some applications.
2. Solution: By setting the microstepping, the driver can break down one full step into multiple smaller "microsteps." For example, 16 microsteps divides one step into 16 parts, meaning the motor requires 3200 pulses per revolution (200 * 16).
3. Reasons for Setting:

• Improve Running Smoothness: Microstepping creates more continuous current changes, significantly reducing low-speed vibration and noise.
• Increase Positioning Resolution: Achieves more precise control over position without changing the mechanical system.
• Avoid Resonance Points: Motors are prone to resonance at specific mid-range speeds, which can cause lost steps. Microstepping helps bypass or dampen these resonance zones.

Setting the Output Current

1. Problem: Each stepper motor has a rated current. If the driver's output current is lower than the motor's rated current, the motor will lack power and output insufficient torque. If it is significantly higher, the motor can overheat severely and potentially burn out.
2. Solution: The DIP switches allow you to set the driver's output current to match your motor's rated current (often set to equal or slightly below the rated value).
3. Reasons for Setting:

• Match the Motor: Ensure the motor can output its intended torque.
• Prevent Overheating: Avoid excessive heat generation in both the motor and driver due to overcurrent, extending equipment lifespan.
• Energy Saving: Setting an appropriate current reduces energy consumption and heat generation while still meeting torque requirements.

Setting the Control Pulse Signal Mode

1. Problem: Different controllers may output different signal types.
2. Solution: The DIP switches allow you to select the signal mode, common ones include:

• Pulse/Direction Mode: One pin sends pulses (each pulse represents one step), and another pin controls the direction (high level for one direction, low level for the other). This is the most common mode.
• CW/CCW Mode: One pin sends pulses for clockwise rotation, and another pin sends pulses for counterclockwise rotation.

3. Reasons for Setting:

• Controller Compatibility: Ensure the driver correctly interprets the controller's commands; otherwise, the motor may run erratically or not at all.

Setting the Motor Static (Holding) Current (Half-Current / Full-Current)

1. Problem: When the motor is stopped, if it continues to draw the full rated current, the coils will generate continuous heat. This wastes energy in many applications where holding torque is not required.
2. Solution: The DIP switches can be set to automatically reduce the current to 50% of the rated value or less (i.e., "half-current" holding) after the motor has been stationary for a set time.
3. Reasons for Setting:

• Energy Saving: Reduce unnecessary energy waste.
• Reduce Temperature Rise: Significantly lower the temperature of the motor and driver during idle periods, improving system reliability.

Updated on: 30/10/2025